Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It is responsible for the metabolism of glucose in the body. Type I diabetics do not produce enough insulin which forces them take insulin injections to replace the hormone. Some Type II diabetics take injections as well. Today, this form of injected insulin is most often derived from insulin manufactured in a laboratory from genetically engineered recombinant DNA from humans instead of the animal insulin used by previous generations of diabetics.
Insulin is injected into the subcutaneous fat layer just beneath the skin using a syringe, usually one half to one cubic centimeter with a fine gauge needle. Insulin is measured in units - one hundred equals one cubic centimeter. Dosage varies widely from one diabetic to another depending on factors such as diet, exercise, body composition, and use of a sliding scale.
Additionally, many types of insulin are currently on the market, differing by how fast they act and how long they last. Insulin can affect the body in five minutes (super-fast acting) or in eight to twelve hours (long acting). The duration generally ranges between two hours and twenty-four hours in the case of some of the newest insulin-types developed. Insulin-type is prescribed on the basis of the individuals needs and lifestyle.
1. First, the syringe is prepared by drawing the necessary dosage into the syringe and making certain the syringe does not contain air bubbles.
2. Once the bubbles are removed, the diabetic lightly pinches the skin of a fatty area, such as the stomach, upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
3. The needle is inserted at a slight angle to the skin.
3a. The diabetic may choose to aspirate the needle by drawing the plunger back a single unit to be certain that no blood draws into the syringe. Many diabetics have discontinued this practice, however.
4. The plunger is then depressed, injecting the insulin into the subcutaneous fat layer.
5. The needle is withdrawn.
5a. If the injection site bleeds, the diabetic should wipe the site with an alcohol swab or another clean substance such as tissue or a paper towel.
In the past, many diabetics began to learn this process by injecting an orange with saline or water to become accustomed to the steps and familiarized with holding and using the insulin syringe. This procedure is still helpful in reducing anxiety in children with diabetes and sometimes their parents or caregivers.
At any time you inject yourself with a needle, bruising may occur. Diabetics should avoid injecting the bruised area until the skin returns to its normal coloration and is no longer sore. It is advisable not to use the same spot for injections. Switching sides of the body or moving the injection site a few inches away from ones previously used can increase comfort and reduce the risk of bruising or general soreness.
Reusing syringes is not recommended due to blunting of the delicate needle, which can cause additional discomfort, and due to the risk of contamination and infection from using an unclean syringe. Even sterilizing the instrument will not reduce the effects of blunting.
